Chapter 20
The de la Vega hacienda...
"Don Diego...your father would like to see you in his study."
"I will be right there, Maria." I wonder what my father wants.
"Son, sit down. This business between you and Victoria...I love Victoria dearly...like the daughter that I never had...and well, it may be time that I look into other suitable candidates for you...and Ramon."
"I cannot believe that you would suggest such a thing!"
"I wanted you to marry for love but I am not getting any younger, Diego and frankly, neither are you...I want grandchildren, by way of Victoria Escalante or someone else...It will not hurt to look at other options."
"There must be some other way."
"I have enlisted Dona Maria's services for you and for Ramon. As my son, I expect you to honor my wishes.."
Victoria's Tavern...
"Diego, you look a bit shell-shocked. Come sit down."
"This day has gone from bad to worse, Victoria. Believe it or not, Father agrees with Padre Benitez and is already looking at suitable wives for me and Ramon..."
"Your father would not do such a thing. You did not listen to his ridiculous proposal!"
"He was adamant...Is this ridiculous feud with Aria more important than me? Than our relationship?"
"You are more important to me! I thought that you knew that!"
"Prove it! Do whatever you have to do to make amends with her...You have until tomorrow to decide…"
"And what if I don't," Victoria challenged, "You know that I don't take kindly to ultimatums...You...You wouldn't go along with your father's ridiculous plan..."
"Don't be so sure about that!"
The de la Vega hacienda...
Don Alejandro started as the door slammed loudly. "What is this plan Diego told me about?"
Someone is not too pleased with my little plan. "Are you referring to my plan to find a suitable match for my son, Victoria? I am very serious. You may be little too much for my Diego…Someone with a quieter nature will not cause a scene in public places…perhaps Rosita Morales or some other young lady. This is the last straw! Continue this feud or lose my son and your brother as well. Choose carefully, Victoria. Now if you will excuse me."
The Cave...
Diego fumed as he paced the interior of the cave. Don Alejandro's ultimatum did not sit well with him. He had intended to apologize to Ramon but on his own terms…Now his father was forcing his hand.
"My sister is in a fine temper…What has happened between the two of you now," Ramon said as he entered the cave.
"My father has enlisted the services of Dona Maria and I would not be surprised if he has not found someone for you as well... Victoria was furious. He is serious about this…Father has never been known for his patience or his subtlety. This has gone on long enough. I apologize. Please forgive me." The two friends hugged glad that the animosity was over. "You and my father meant well. I hoped your plan would work but…"
"It is in the past. Do you think your father will go through with this plan?"
"Why don't we let Father have his fun for now?"
"What is going on in that devious mind of yours, Diego?"
"It would be interesting to see how Victoria and Aria react to this."
"Love or family? An interesting but risky plan, my friend! Are you willing to go along with this?"
"I am if you are Ramon. What have we got to lose?"
The de le Vega dinner table
Ramon was deep in thought while Diego picked at the remainder of his meal. What Don Alejandro was about to say would definitely causes waves. "Well, son. How was your day?"
"Ramon and I buried the hatchet, Father. Before you gloat you will be pleased to know that we would have reconciled eventually."
"Don't be so defensive. I was only trying to help you."
"Diego has been like a brother and I know that you mean well but," Ramon interrupted.
"What I am about to say concerns you both," the older man continued. "I have taken it upon myself to introduce you to a lovely young woman. Ramon, you remember Maria Hernandez, don't you? I have arranged for Diego to meet Rosalinda Espinoza. She is a few years younger but certainly eligible…."
"You are playing with people's lives, it's … it's," Diego attempted to find words to express himself.
"You don't have to marry them…Get to know them. You may be surprised and delighted with what you find."
"When are they coming to dinner, Father? I am certain that you have already made arrangements…" Diego added drily.
"I have arranged for Dona Maria to introduce you to them...at the tavern..."
"Escorting two women to Victoria's Tavern is like dangling meat in front of a wolf. Couldn't you have found anyone else? Things are already bad enough!"
"I have made my decision and I expect the two of you to support me!" The old don threw his napkin down and excused himself from the table.
"You were right, Diego. He is serious."
"We had better get a good night's sleep," he sighed, "Tomorrow will be an interesting day!"